Apple Pie Recipe

• Step 1: Preheat oven to 180⁰ C. Lightly grease an 8” loose bottom pie dish and dust with flour.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, place maida with salt. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Add cold water little by little and gather the flour into a dough. Wrap in a cling film and keep in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
• Step 3: Take out the dough and place it on a floured surface, roll out the dough and cut into a circle 2” wider than the pie dish. Keep aside the extra dough.
• Step 4: Place this dough carefully over the pie dish and press it into the pan, covering the sides. Trim the edges so it covers the rim of the dish.
• Step 5: Prick with a fork at the bottom and on the sides. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes till the pie crust is lightly brown. Take it out of the oven.

For Filling:

• Step 1: Now place apple slices in a bowl, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lime juice, and 1 tbsp maida. Mix well.
• Step 2: Spread apples in the pie crust and pour Nestlé MILKMAID over the apples. Dot with half of the butter.
• Step 3: Roll out the rest of the dough into ¼ thick sheet. Cut into strips. Place the strips, like an interwoven lattice, over the apple layer. Brush with the rest of the butter and bake in the hot oven for 25-30 minutes till the top turns golden brown.
• Step 4: Remove from oven, cool, and carefully take out from the pie dish onto a serving plate. Slice and serve.

Tips to Make Apple Pie

• Select tart and sweet apples to create a deliciously balanced filling.
• Ensure all ingredients remain chilled, including using cold water, and handle the dough with care to avoid a tough crust.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, as mentioned in the above Apple Pie recipe, to keep it from sticking.
• Be gentle when rolling, don't overdo it.
• When filling the pie, leave about an inch of space around the edges to let the crust rise well.
• Preheat the oven to get a crispy crust.
• Although optional, use a pie shield or foil to prevent excessive browning of the crust edges.

FAQs on Apple Pie

1. Do I need pre-cooked apples to prepare the pie?

No, you need not pre-cook apples for our Cinnamon Apple Pie recipe. The baking process will sufficiently cook the apples, allowing them to soften and release their natural flavours, creating a delicious and tender filling.

2. Can I use canned apples for my Apple Pie recipe?

Yes, you can use canned apples for your Apple Pie recipe, but fresh apples generally provide better flavour and texture. Adjust sugar and spices as canned apples may already be sweetened or seasoned.

3. What makes an Apple Pie dry?

Excessive flour can dry your Apple Pie. After combining ingredients, the dough should easily stick together when pinched. If it doesn't, add more water to achieve the proper consistency.

4. Why is my homemade Cinnamon Apple Pie watery?

One of the most common reasons for a watery Apple Pie is inadequate baking time. Ensure the pie is baked thoroughly, allowing the filling to thicken and the crust to become golden brown. Let it cool for at least three hours or even overnight if it's slightly runny. This allows the juices to settle and the filling to fully set.

5. How do you store Apple Pie?

To ensure your Apple Pie remains delectable, store it in the refrigerator, either covered with a lid or in an airtight container. This method keeps it fresh for up to four days. However, it's essential to regularly check its appearance and aroma to confirm its quality before consumption.